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Creamy Crab Salad with Imitation Crab

Casey Rooney
This creamy crab salad with imitation crab is one of those easy, no-fuss recipes that comes together in minutes! Don't let "imitation crab" fool you! It's absolutely delicious when combined with crisp celery, green onion, and a perfectly seasoned mayo dressing. This is the kind of simple dish you can whip up anytime when you don't feel like cooking!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer, lunch, Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 14-16 oz. imitation crab meat look for "flake style" crab meat
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup good-quality mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp. coarse salt (sea salt, kosher salt)
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Prep the crab: Separate the crab meat and add to a large mixing bowl. If you are using this as a dip or spread, finely chop the crab meat.
  • Add: To the crab, add the celery and onion.
  • Make the dressing: In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, lemon, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended. 
  • Finish and chill: Add the dressing to the crab and mix until everything is well-combined. Chill for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.

Notes

Casey's Tips

  • Chill: For the best flavor, allow the crab salad to chill for about 30 minutes before serving.
  • Use for "dipping:" I love this crab salad as a "dip" or spread for crackers. If that's your plan, it's best to finely chop the crab meat. I like big chunks if using it for sandwiches, though!
  • Fresh crab meat: You can absolutely use lump crab meat in place of the imitation crab meat.  Just be sure to drain it well and pat it dry so the liquid doesn't water down the dressing.
  • Storage: This salad is great stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 3 days. Freshen it up with a little lemon juice and stir it well to allow all the flavors to come together again.